Women feed us. It’s an obvious fact.
But—despite the fact that more than half of culinary graduates are women—they make up only 22 percent of head chefs at U.S. restaurants. Why? Lack of access to capital, affordable childcare and media coverage—to name a few reasons.
In Philly, women-run kitchens make our culinary scene rich, nutritious and diverse. And it’s not surprising that many of them are also delivering meals to healthcare workers and distributing groceries to their communities during the pandemic.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite women-run restaurants that we can support right now and ensure they make it to the other side of this crisis as strong as ever.
Women-owned restaurants to support during Covid-19
baology
Judy Ni’s menu includes longevity noodles, bian dang (a Taiwanese-style bento), ruen bing (Taiwanese wraps) and more. Plus, you can get frozen potstickers and meal kits to cook at home. baology is also providing meals to healthcare providers through Off Their Plate and Nourished, which Ni co-founded. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-8pm for pickup and delivery via Caviar. 1829 JFK Boulevard, Rittenhouse, 215-999-2263
Barbuzzo
Owners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney are changing their menu daily—options include soup, make your own pizza kits, vegetarian dishes, their famous salted caramel budino and even bottles of wine to go. Offering delivery through Caviar and onsite pick-up everyday, 4:30-7:30pm. 110 S. 13th Street, Midtown Village, 215-546-9300
Bar Bombón
Owner Nicole Marquis is offering a dinner special for two; for $49, choose two vegan Latin-inspired entrees, appetizers and sides, like the Cubano club slider, tostones, and coconut rice. Open for pickup or delivery everyday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday, 9am-3pm for brunch. 133 S. 18th Street, Rittenhouse, 267-606-6612
Café Ynez
Owner Jill Weber is offering Mexican specialties like tortas, fajitas and quesadillas—and delivering meals to healthcare workers through Nourished, which she co-founded. Order for pickup or delivery Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm. 2025 Washington Avenue, Point Breeze, 215-278-7579
El Bocado
Order Honduran, Salvadoran and Mexican specialties—like pupusas with curtido, fish tacos and horchata—from owner Jackie Martinez. Open for pickup and delivery, 4-10pm. 1005 E. Passyunk Avenue, Bella Vista, 267-758-2390
El Merkury
Sofia Deleon offers Central American street food, like taquitos and elote, as well as ingredients to assemble your own meal at home. El Merkury is delivering meals (and churro cakes!) to healthcare workers. Pick-up or get delivery, Monday-Saturday 12pm-8:30pm, Sunday 12-7pm. 2104 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse, 267-457-5952
Franny Lou’s Porch
Blew Kind serves bocadillos (sandwiches) and salads made with local organic ingredients, as well as coffee, tea, and specialty drinks like the iced lavender matcha. Order for pickup or delivery, everyday 10:15am-2:30pm. 2400 Coral Street, Kensington, 267-596-6274
Hardena
The ladies at Hardena are still serving up their comforting Malaysian dishes—like chicken satay, vegetable stew with lemongrass and goat curry—and they’re delivering meals to the VA Medical Center. Open for pickup Wednesday-Monday, 11:30am-8:30pm. 1754 S. Hicks Street, Newbold, 215-271-9442
Jezabel’s Argentine Café & Bakery
Get Argentine specialties like mafalda (crossaint sandwich with ham and cheese), alfajores and the empanadas Jezabel is known for—plus quiche, fresh salads and more. Pick-up everyday from 10am-2pm, delivery from 3-5pm. 206 S. 45th Street, West Philly, 215-554-7380
Kalaya
Get traditional Thai dishes like kang pae (goat curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and kanom jeeb (shumai dumplings). Order between 12-8pm for pickup or delivery. 764 S. 9th Street, Bella Vista, 215-385-3777
MacMart
It’s the perfect comfort food—order the Rittenhouse for classic mac topped with creamy garlic sautéed spinach and artichoke dip, and potato chip panko crunch. Call for pick up or free delivery from Caviar and Uber Eats—check their social media for hours. 104 S. 18th Street, Rittenhouse, 215-444-6144
Renata’s Kitchen
You can still get Renata’s Mediterranean dishes like chicken mohammara, fried halloumi, shakshuka and more, plus six-packs of beer and wine. Text RENATA to 33733 to get priority order status and access to special menus. Pickup and delivery available Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm. 3940 Baltimore Avenue, West Philly, 267-275-8254
Sazon Restaurant & Cafe
Chef Judith Suzarra-Campbell is still serving her Venezuelan dishes like empanadas, arepas, yuca frita and asado negro. Open for pickup and delivery most weekends, 12-7pm. Check their facebook page for up-to-date hours. 941 Spring Garden St., Poplar, 215-763-2500
Soy Cafe
Avocado grapefruit salad, mushroom miso soup, hot ham-and-cheese toast, mango mama smoothie… get these—and more—vegan treats from Soy Cafe. Open for pickup or delivery 10am-5pm. 630 N. 2nd St., Northern Liberties, 215-922-1003
Winnie’s Manayunk
Order special dinner platters like grilled chicken with broccoli and roasted potatoes for $10 and chicken parmesan with housemade marinara, penne pasta and a side house salad for $13-50. Order between 11am-7pm for pickup or delivery. 4266 Main Street, Manayunk, 215-487-2663
